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”Smoking ceremonies are a deeply rooted cultural practice performed by First Peoples to cleanse, purify, and promote well-being. The smoke, created by burning native plants such as eucalyptus leaves, is believed to cleanse people, spaces, and objects, fostering connection and harmony.

The hand-crafted bronze smoking dish at City Square has been created in collaboration with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders and features designs inspired by the manna gum, a culturally significant tree.

The manna gum is central to Wurundjeri identity and is reflected in their name, with “wurun” meaning manna gum and “djeri” referring to a grub that lives in these trees. For Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, the manna gum symbolises life, belonging and connection, making it an important cultural symbol.

Surrounding the dish is Woi-wurrung language explaining the importance of Smoking Ceremonies, which translates to:

Fire with dampened eucalypt leaves creates smoke for cleansing the land for a new beginning.”

- Victoria’s Big Build

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Located at Town Hall Station, Melbourne VIC 3000